Leonard Peltier Undergoes Triple-Bypass Surgery

COLEMAN, FLORIDA – On Saturday, it was revealed that Leonard Peliter (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) underwent triple-bypass surgery near Leesburg, Florida recently. Exact details were not shared.

The announcement came from the International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee. Peltier shared this message to his many supporters:

“Good Morning everyone. OK. I know everyone did not-not know this this but it’s been a rough ride for me, BUT I’m one step back from back passing away.

I was taken to an outside hospital in Leesburg Fl. for what I was told a routine heart stress test. And it turned out that they found clogged arteries 3 of them! They decided to operate right away and I just returned from triple-bypass heart surgery. MY chest was opened and they took arteries from my legs and placed them in the blocked arteries. I had to be given a liter of blood. Now I am back at the prison and getting around in my wheel chair. they said this would help my shortness of breath and the pressure in my chest. “

Peltier, who is afflicted with diabeters, has experienced health problems in recent years. Last year, it was announced Peltier has an abdominal aortic aneurism and was awaiting surgery when the aneurism grows larger.

This incident in Leonards health struggle has shown us how quickly things can happen and how important is that we do everything possible to get Leonard out of prison and home to Turtle, Montana. Please continue to fund his legal struggle as it will take our lawyer and all of us for this to make it happen! Donate at www.whoisleonardpeltier.info

About The Author

Levi Rickert, a tribal citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, is the publisher and editor of Native News Online. Previously, he served as editor of the Native News Network. He is a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

7 Comments

Kat1 year ago

It is incredibly sad that Mr. Peltier is still having to deal with being in prison for a sentence that has in the decades since his conviction have otherwise been changed. He deserves to spend the rest of his life at home. He has done enough and given that Chelsea Manning has been released, that should be a big red flag as to the injustice Mr. Peltier is still having to endure. Get well as soon as you can. Our hearts are still praying.